Assignment

Approach

Ben is one of the country’s strongest climbers, and is able to climb routes that very few people can even attempt. This roof crack has only been climbed twice before, as it is one of the hardest rock climbs in the state. I used the Canon 1DX Mark II camera and the ultra-wide-angle 11-24mm lens, with heavy strobe lights positioned to augment the backlit sun and increase the dramatic light. I wanted the drama of the lighting to amplify the drama of the setting.

Results

I captured Ben as his feet cut loose at the lip of the overhang, strobing him just at the peak moment of tension.